After two consecutive division losses, the SaberCats will be looking to make big improvements on the offensive side of the ball as turnovers have been an underlying issue all season. 

Following last week’s performance against the undefeated Shock where quarterback Aaron Garcia threw five interceptions stretching his total to 15 in four games, the SaberCats acquired former Chicago Rush quarterback Russ Michna. In 2012, Michna displayed great leadership abilities on the field and had 89 touchdowns with only 10 interceptions in 16 appearances.  In his five years with the Rush, Michna has proved that he possesses great ball management skills making him a perfect fit for this SaberCats offense that’s hungry for a win.

In a trade with the Orlando Predators, the SaberCats gave up Garcia and offensive lineman Devin Clark in turn for a big time offensive impact player. At 6’5 and 225 pounds, wide receiver Amarri Jackson is a proven playmaker with 223 receptions for 2,922 yards and 61 touchdowns in his three year AFL career. Jackson had a standout performance for the Predators in week two against the SaberCats hauling in five touchdowns and 209 yards. San Jose is looking forward to having him on their side going into week six as he bolsters the already strong and sizable SaberCats receiving corps.

Receiver Jason Willis is not only leading the team with eight touchdowns but he’s also in the top ten of the league with 397 receiving yards. Jamarko Simmons and Huey Whitaker have also been impact players for the SaberCats as they each have six touchdowns over the duration of four games.   The SaberCats offense will have to execute perfectly this week as the Voo Doo defense has only given up 5.4 yards per play and will be looking to take advantage of Michna making his first appearance as a SaberCat.

The SaberCats defense will be going up against a Voo Doo offense that hasn’t had much success in the past three consecutive games. Entering week six, the Voo Doo is the last ranked total offense with an average of 215.2 yards per game.  Filling in for injured Voo Doo quarterback Kurt Rocco, will be Zack Eskridge looking to find a rhythm after last week’s heartbreaking loss to the Pittsburgh Power (46-43).  On the defensive line, expect to see the SaberCats wreaking havoc as the Voo Doo pass protection has been very weak, allowing three or more sacks in three of their four games.

On special teams, both the SaberCats and the Voo Doo have dynamic kick returners. Mervin Brookins of the SaberCats and Brent Holmes of the Voo Doo are second and third respectively in kick return yards at this point in the season.

With both teams sitting at third place in their divisions, each are looking to bring an end to their recent losing skid.  The SaberCats will be hoping to gel on offense right away, post some big defensive stops, and ultimately come out on top to get back to where they belong in the winning column.

Leanne is a freelance sports journalist residing in the San Francisco Bay Area as she finishes up her Mass Communication, Media Production B.A. at Cal State University, East Bay. This will be her second season as a correspondent covering the San Jose SaberCats.